EICMA 2016: Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled unveiled
Along with the Scrambler Café Racer, Ducati has also unveiled the Scrambler Desert Sled at the EICMA 2016. Just like the Ducati Scrambler Café Racer, the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is based on the Ducati Scrambler. Both the motorcycles retain the Scrambler's 803cc L-twin air-cooled engine which makes 75PS and 68Nm of torque. The engine is coupled to a 6-speed transmission.
Unlike the Ducati Scrambler and the Ducati Scrambler Café Racer, the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled has genuine off-road capabilities. Ducati says that 'the name Desert Sled refers to standard motorcycles over 500cc that were modified by riders for use in the Californian desert'. The Scrambler Desert Sled gets an aluminium handlebar with cross-strut while the front mudguard is placed higher. Additionally, the Desert Sled gets a reinforced tubular frame. It also features a new aluminium double-sided swingarm and a headlight grille.
Upfront, it gets 46mm fully adjustable USD forks and a Kayaba monoshock at the rear which can be adjusted for pre-load and rebound. Both the front and rear suspension offer 7.9 inches of travel. It gets a 330mm front disc brake with a radial 4-piston caliper and a 245mm rear-disc brake with a single-piston caliper. Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled gets ABS as standard.
It has a wheelbase of 1,505mm, a dry weight of 191 kilograms and a seat height of 860mm. It gets an under-seat storage compartment with a USB socket. The Scrambler Desert Sled gets a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear spoked wheels shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres.
The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is likely to reach our shores sometime next year. It is expected to cost around Rs 1-1.5 lakh more than the Ducati Scrambler Icon which is priced at Rs 7 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
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